Why now?

The city is gearing up for the POP Montreal grass roots music festival from October 3-7, during which the likes of Patti Smith, Pere Ubu, and Canadian comedy legend Mort Sahl will be scattered across the city in a variety of venues, from burlesque theatre Le National to the vast interior of the St Jean Baptiste church.

Getting there

Gatwick to Montreal with Zoom (flyzoom.com) from £258 return including taxes. Where to stay Le Germain (hotelgermain.com, from £107), where rooms are laid out loft-style with mahogany furniture.